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Background. The purpose was to develop indications for surgical treatment of patients with hiatal hernias and evaluate its results. Materials and methods. At the Department of Surgery of Digestive Organs of SI “Institute of Gastroenterology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, 45 patients with hiatal hernias were examined in 2017–2019. Long-term treatment results were studied within 6 months to 2 years in 19 (42.2 %) individuals. Results. In our studies, among 45 operated patients, 27 (60.0 %) had a diagnosis of axial hiatal hernia (type I), 9 (20.0 %) — paraesophageal hiatal hernia (type II), 8 (17.8 %) — combined hiatal hernia (type III), 1 (2.2 %) patient had hiatal hernia with a shortening of the esophagus (type IV). Grade I of hiatal hernia was noted in 25 (55.6 %) people, grade II occurred in 12 (26.7 %), and grade III, when body and even the antral part of the stomach prolapse into the posterior mediastinum, — in 8 (17.8 %) patients. Cruroplasty was performed in 100 % of cases: posterior — in 24 (53.3 %) individuals, anterior and posterior (сombined) — in 13 (28.9 %), alloplasty — in 8 (17.8 %). Laparoscopic fundoplication was carried out in all patients: Nissen fundoplication — in 36 (80.0 %), Toupet fundoplication — in 6 (13.3 %), Dor fundoplication — in 3 (6.7 %). There were no fatal cases. The average duration of surgery was (135 ± 24) min, the average time of transplant fixation — (24 ± 12) min. Conclusions. Therefore, laparoscopic antireflux operations are highly effective in the treatment of hiatal hernias, well tolerated and characterized by a low percentage of complications (6 (13.3 %) cases), rapid recovery of patients in the postoperative period, allowing them to be recognized as surgery of choice in the treatment of this pathology. The choice of surgical procedure for hiatal hernia is determined by the features of anatomical interrelations and the purpose of restoring the esophageal-gastric junction and diaphragm.

Objective. To analyze the effectiveness of various methods of laparoscopic antireflux operations in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Materials and methods. The results of treatment of 177 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease from 2015 to 2021 were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: 1st - 62 patients who underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery of our own modification (Patent of Ukraine No 59772); 2nd - 91 patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication; 3rd - 24 patients who underwent laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. Results. 36 months after surgery in the 1st group the recurrence rate of gastroesophageal disease was 1.6%, recurrence of hernia of the esophageal orifice - 1.6%, in the 2nd group - 7.7 and 3.3%, respectively; in the 3rd group - 12.5 and 8.3%, respectively. Conclusions. The application of a new integrated approach to the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease reduces the number of postoperative complications (gas -bloat syndrome - 3 times, dysphagia - 5 times), the recurrence rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease - 5 times and recurrence of esophageal hernia - 2 times, improves the quality of life of patients 36 months after surgery in 2.6 times and increases the timeliness of diagnosis and facilitates the choice of differentiated treatment tactics.

Aim Increased institutional volume and surgeon experience with antireflux surgery has been shown to improve patient outcomes. We have sought to illustrate the discrepancy between the perceived (self-reported) and observed annual volume of anti-reflux operations completed by each surgeon. Method A retrospective questionnaire was delivered to all upper-gastrointestinal (UGI) surgeons performing antireflux surgeries (ARS) at a University Teaching Hospital. Surgeons were asked to estimate the quantity of NHS antireflux cases completed annually. Objective, anonymised data was retrieved from the Surgical Workload Outcomes Audit Database (SWORD) from 2017 to 2020 for comparison. Results 127 ARS were completed by 6 UGI consultants between January 2018 and December 2020. The average number of ARS completed per surgeon was 5.8 (2-10) in 2018, 8.7 (4-11) in 2019 and 6.7 (1-11) in 2020. Conversely, the average number of self-reported annual procedures per surgeon was 22.4 (12-35). On average, participants overestimated the number of NHS ARS completed by 14.5 (4-27) cases or a factor of 2.08. No surgeon correctly or underestimated the number of ARS performed. Conclusions We conclude that self-reported operation volume should not be relied upon for the purposes of assessment or audit. Estimations of annual ARS procedures could be up to triple that suggested by objective data. We recommend that all surgeons maintain a database of ARS for the purpose of self-assessment and audit.

Background. The purpose of this study is the evaluation of antireflux surgery of laparoscopic or laparotomic access in patients with acquired short esophagus, combined with a hiatal hernia and is a complication of long-existing reflux esophagitis with vnepischevodnym its manifestations such as gastrocardiac syndrome, with the main pathogenetic, pathophysiologic factors and mechanisms of development. Materials and methods. The study included 34 patients who were hospitalized in the surgical department, operated from a laparoscopic or laparotomic approach. Results. 85 % of these patients underwent antireflux surgery using endovideosurgical access. According to the results of the study, it was found that the total bed-day in patients after laparoscopy was 8.25 days, after laparotomy – 10.7 days. Conclusions. Based on the results it was found that performing antireflux surgery by endovideosurgical access is as effective and safe as open surgery, while reducing the duration of inpatient treatment and fewer possible subsequent complications. The analysis of the results showed the effectiveness and safety of practical application and use of the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of patients with an acquired short esophagus, combined with a hiatal hernia of the diaphragm and which is a complication of long-standing reflux esophagitis with its extraesophageal manifestation, such as gastrocardiac syndrome.

Introduction There are no high-resolution manometry (HRM) classification guidelines to assess patients’ dysphagia occurring post anti-reflux surgery. In this study we will explore the use of multichannel intraluminal impedance transit (MIIT) to explain patients’ post-surgical dysphagia. Method Subjects were selected between January 2018 and December 2019 who underwent HRM with normal motility findings1 followed by MIIT study.2 Subjects were grouped into (i) patients asymptomatic of dysphagia with treatment-naive oesophagus (control group) and (ii) patients with dysphagia and intact post antireflux operation (patient group). The oesophageal transit times in the patient group was compared with the control group and then compared with the oesophageal transit observed in OGJ obstruction (>1.64 mins) that was previously published.2 Results Total of 59 subjects were selected (F:M=38:21, aged 20–75 years old). 32.2% (19/59) were post-surgical patients complaining of dysphagia (15 Nissen fundoplication and 4 LINX procedure) (these patients had mean integral relaxation pressure of 12.4 mmHg). The 5%-95% confidence interval in oesophageal transit time demonstrated in the patient group and control group were respectively 2.57 – 12.06 mins and 0.32 - 0.41 mins (p=0.0051). The oesophageal transit time in 63.2% (12/19) patients exceeded 1.64 mins which is consistent with oesophageal transit time found in OGJ obstruction. Conclusion This novel MIIT technique may explain patients’ post-surgical dysphagia which HRM failed to capture. Notably, the majority of patients actually show oesophageal transit time comparable to OGJ obstruction who may benefit from dilatation or BoTox. References Kahrilas P, et al. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015;27(2):p160–174. Miah I, et al. BMJ Gut 2019;68:pA214.

The purpose of our study is to evaluate expediency of Platelet-Rich Plasma with self-fixated ProgripTMmesh use in hiatal hernia repair. The study was performed on 144 patients with gastroesophageal reflux with large hiatal hernias (the size of hernias 10-20 cm2), who underwent Nissen fundoplication and crurarrhaphia. All patients were divided into two groups: I group (71 patients) - we used non-absorbable self-fixating ProgripTMmesh for reinforcement of crurarrhaphia, II group (73 patients) – crurarrhaphia was done without mesh. In the patients of I group pieces of mesh were infiltrated by 2-4 ml of autologous PRP. Follow-up was completed in 128 (88,9%) patients with a mean follow-up duration of 39 months (range 12-60 months). There were no serious complications in the patients of both groups. During the 60 months of follow-up, 2 recurrences occurred in the mesh group and 14 recurrences appeared in the non-mesh group (p

Introduction. Laparoscopic techniques have been applied to ensure surgical treatment of the vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children during the last decades. We present the experience of using the laparoscopic extravesical antireflux standard and ureter-fixed modified surgery.Materials and methods. A multi-center prospective experimental clinical historical cohort two-group study of patients with III–V stage primary VUR. The basic group consisted of 48 children who had a unilateral laparoscopic extravesical surgery when the ureter was fixed according to the developed technique. 44 children who had a surgery according to the standard technique were included into the control group.Results. Complete VUR removal was noted in 100% of patients from the basic group and 81.2% of patients from the control group (р Conclusions. Laparoscopic extravesical antireflux is a safe and effective surgery. Distal ureter fixation reduces the rate of VUR recurrences.

Background Surgeons balance competing interests of minimizing duration of stay with readmissions. Complications that occur early after discharge often result in readmissions. This study examines the relationship between duration of stay, timing of complications, and readmission risk. Methods Cases from the 2012–2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Project—Pediatric were organized into 30 procedural groups. Procedures where duration of stay approximated the median day of complication were identified. A theoretical model was applied to minimize readmissions by extending duration of stay. Results From 30 procedure groups, 3 were identified where duration of stay approximated median day of compilations: complicated appendectomy, antireflux operation, and abdominal operation without bowel resection. The complicated appendectomy readmission rate drops from 12.2% to 8.2%, increasing duration of stay from 3 to 8 days at the cost of 16,428 additional hospital days among 4,740 patients (3.5 days/patient). Readmission optimization tapers after duration of stay of 8 days. Similar findings were observed for antireflux operation and abdominal operation without bowel resection with readmission optimization at duration of stay of 5 days (2.6 days/patient) and 7 days (5.3 days/patient), respectively. Conclusion Our theoretical model aimed at balancing readmissions by extending duration of stay to capture early complications results in a substantial increase in hospital days illustrating the conflict between competing quality metrics and limited resources.

The observation is described the successful treatment of the child with VATER association. We made the correction of esophageal atresia with lower trachea-oesophageal fistula, anal atresia withrectourethral fistula. Performed surgical operations: retrosternal esophagoplasty the stomach, gastrooesophageal anastomosis in the neck with an antireflux mechanism, anosphincteroplasty.

This paper includes commentaries on outcomes of esophageal surgery, including the mechanisms by which fundoduplication improves lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure; the efficacy of the Linx™ management system in improving LES function; the utility of radiologic characterization of antireflux valves following surgery; the correlation between endoscopic findings and reported symptoms following antireflux surgery; the links between laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and decreased LES pressure, endoscopic esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); the less favorable outcomes following fundoduplication among obese patients; the application of bioprosthetic meshes to reinforce hiatal repair and decrease the incidence of paraesophageal hernia; the efficacy of endoluminal antireflux procedures, and the limited efficacy of revisional antireflux operations, underscoring the importance of good primary surgery and diligent work-up to prevent the necessity of revisional procedures.

We retrospectively evaluated our experience with ureteral reimplantation and psoas bladder hitch to restore urinary tract continuity in patients with lower ureteral defects, since long-term data on the outcomes of this procedure have been relatively scarce in the last two decades. The procedure was performed in 24 patients (7 male, 17 female) with a mean age of 54.6 years. The mean ureteral defect length was 4.8 cm (range 3–10), the ureterovesical anastomosis was performed with simplified split-cuff technique in 18 patients, submucosal tunnel in 2, and direct anastomosis without antireflux technique in 2. Mean followup was 53 months (range 12–125), and there were no reinterventions. Postoperative renal imaging was normal in 22 cases (91.6%) and revealed decreased kidney size in 2, 3 patients presented intermittent flank pain, and 5 had sporadic episodes of lower tract UTI but no one pyelonephritis. Psoas hitch ureteral reimplantation can be successfully used for bridging defects of the lower ureter up to 10 cm in length in difficult clinical situations. It is relatively simple to perform, compared to other procedures of ureteral reconstruction, and it provides adequate protection of the upper urinary tract.

Background Total fundoplication is the most common antireflux operation and can be performed with or without division of the short gastric vessels. There seems to be no difference in short-term outcomes with either approach. The aim of the study was to determine whether there were the long-term differences (after 10 years). Methods Ninety-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Short gastric vessels were divided in 52 patients (group 1) and left intact in 47 (group 2). Ten patients were lost to follow-up and seven patients died, leaving 42 patients for analysis in group 1 and 40 in group 2. All patients were evaluated by standardized quality of life questionnaires. Results Three patients underwent reoperation within 5 years. Thirty-eight of 42 patients with a completely mobilized fundus reported no reflux symptoms, compared with 31 of 40 patients with intact vessels. There were no differences between the groups in other symptoms reflecting postfundoplication complaints and quality of life outcomes. Conclusion When total fundoplication is performed it makes no difference whether the fundus is mobilized or not. Both types of repair provide lasting control of reflux.

Background . Antireflux surgery can reduce respiratory symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux. However, there is a paucity of data on the durability of this benefit. To evaluate the long-term effects of antireflux surgery on respiratory complaints associated with gastroesophageal reflux, we reviewed our experience. Methods . Retrospective review of 2,123 antireflux procedures completed between 1986 and 1998 identified 65 patients (3.1%) with associated respiratory symptoms. There were 32 men and 33 women, ranging in age from 20 to 80 years (median 59 years). Respiratory symptoms included wheezing in 43 patients, sputum production in 37, cough in 30, choking episodes in 24, and hoarseness in 17. Preoperative medication use included steroids in 23 patients and bronchodilators in 18. Results . Antireflux operations included the uncut Collis-Nissen fundoplication in 29 patients, Belsy Mark IV repair in 13, open Nissen fundoplication in 13, and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in 10. Perioperative complications occurred in 19 patients who underwent open procedures and in none who had laparoscopic procedures. There was one death in the open-operation group and none in the laparoscopic group. Median follow-up was 65 months (range 1 to 174 months) and was complete in 62 patients (96.9%). Improvement in respiratory symptoms (83%) and reduction in respiratory medication use (78%) were significant as compared to a calculated 33% placebo-effect improvement ( p Conclusions . Antireflux operations significantly reduce respiratory complaints associated with gastroesophageal reflux. This benefit appears to be long term.

Background: Primary antireflux surgery provides excellent symptom relief in most patients. Unfortunately, the results of redo surgery are less predictable. In these patients, esophageal injury from long-standing reflux of gastric contents and operative trauma from previous failed antireflux procedures results in progressive deterioration in esophageal propulsion, poor clearance of reflux episodes, mucosal damage, and, in some cases, stricture formation. For the past 16 years, we have selectively used esophageal resection and replacement instead of another reoperation in these challenging patients. Methods: Seventeen patients with end-stage esophageal body dysfunction and one or more previously unsuccessful antireflux procedures underwent esophagectomy and reconstruction by colon interposition in 15 patients and jejunum interposition in 2 patients. The indications for esophagectomy rather than a redo antireflux procedure were a global loss of effective esophageal motility in 13 and a nondilatable stricture in four. Their outcome was compared with that of 32 patients with adequate motility and 18 with a similar global loss of motility who had a redo antireflux procedure. Perioperative complications after esophagectomy were recorded, and long-term outcome was assessed by means of a standardized questionnaire at a median of 7 years after the operation. Results: Patients with profound esophageal body dysfunction who underwent esophageal resection had outcomes similar to those with normal motility who underwent a redo antireflux procedure. Those with profound esophageal motility dysfunction who underwent a redo antireflux procedure had a worse outcome than those who underwent resection. Esophageal resection and replacement was performed without mortality or graft failure. All patients who underwent resection stated that their preoperative symptoms were relieved completely ( n = 6) or improved ( n = 10). Thirteen patients (81%) were able to eat three meals a day, and 12 patients (75%) enjoyed an unrestricted diet. Two thirds of the patients were at or above their ideal body weight, and 88% were fully satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. Conclusion: Patients with end-stage esophageal body dysfunction who have had a previous unsuccessful antireflux procedure can be treated by esophageal resection with a high expectation of success. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;115:296-302)

Background Minimally invasive procedures have become common, and more reoperations for failed antireflux procedures are performed laparoscopically. We wanted to study the outcomes of laparoscopic reoperations for reflux. Methods Medical records of all patients who underwent reoperation without esophageal resection after previous antireflux procedures between January 2000 and October 2012 were reviewed. Results Seventy-five patients were included in this report: 56 (77%) women and 19 (23%) men. Median age was 58 years. The previous operation was laparoscopic antireflux procedures in 65 (87%) patients. The median interval between the last antireflux procedure and laparoscopic reoperation was 42 months. The median body mass index (BMI) was 28.7. All patients were symptomatic. Intraoperative findings included recurrent hiatal hernia in 47 (63%) patients, incompetent fundoplication in 14 (19%) patients, tight fundoplication in 8 (11%) patients, and tight crura in 2 (3%) patients. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was performed in 57 (76%) patients, partial posterior fundoplication was performed in 12 (16%) patients, partial anterior fundoplication was performed in 3 (4%) patients, removal of crural stitches was performed in 2 patients, and a combination of partial posterior fundoplication and removal of crural stiches was performed in 1 patient. Complications occurred in 13 (15%) patients. Improvement in symptoms was observed in 70 (93%) patients in early postoperative follow-up and in 59 (78%) patients in long-term follow-up. Functional results were classified as excellent in 59 (78%) patients, good in 6 (7%) patients, fair in 7 (8%) patients, and poor in 3 (4%) patients. Conclusions Laparoscopic reoperation for failed antireflux operations is a complex procedure, but it is safe and effective in selected patients. Reoperation after a failed antireflux repair results in excellent or good functional status in a majority of patients, but these results may deteriorate over time.

A retrospective review of gastroesophageal leaks complicating antireflux operations was conducted to determine the incidence, predisposing factors, optimal treatment, and outcome in such patients. Twelve postoperative gastroesophageal leaks occurred in a series of 1,005 antireflux procedures (1.2%). Four of the 12 patients had undergone a previous hiatal operation, and this was a significant risk factor for postoperative leak (p0.001). Ten of the 12 patients had undergone "incomplete" wraps that involved suturing of the gastric fundus to the esophagus, and this was a significant risk factor for postoperative leak (p0.04). Five patients had peritoneal contamination and 7 had mediastinal or pleural soilage. Patients with peritoneal perforations were less likely to require intensive care unit admission than were patients with thoracic perforations (p0.05). Six of the 12 perforations were either well contained or well drained at the time of the diagnostic contrast study. All 6 of these patients responded to conservative treatment. The remaining 6 perforations were not contained at the time of diagnosis. Two of the affected patients initially received conservative treatment (1 death and 1 late empyema) and 4 were treated by operation (1 death). The mortality associated with gastroesophageal perforation was 17%. Contained perforations can be treated conservatively but noncontained perforations require early and aggressive surgical intervention.

Background Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a common operation performed for reflux disease, generally with good results. A small percentage of patients experience transthoracic migration of the wrap, causing recurrent symptoms and eventually requiring transthoracic repair. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent a transthoracic repair of a slipped Nissen fundoplication at our institution from 2006 to 2010. Data included demographics, previous antireflux operations, symptoms at presentation, findings at operation, and overall outcome. Results Sixteen patients with a mean age of 61 years (range, 51–76 years) were identified who fit inclusion criteria. The most common presenting symptom was pain. Intraoperative findings included hiatal breakdown in all patients, shortened esophagus in 10 (62%) patients, and foreign body/mesh in 4 (25%) patients. Nine (56%) patients underwent a Collis gastroplasty along with a Nissen fundoplication. Nissen fundoplication alone was performed in 6 (38%) patients and a Belsey fundoplication with a Collis gastroplasty was performed in 1 (6%) patient. Minor complications occurred in 4 (25%) patients and major complications were seen in 2 (13%) patients. The median length of stay was 9 days (range, 6–30 days). There were no postoperative deaths. Overall, 12 (75%) of the patients were judged to have a good outcome, 3 (19%) a fair outcome, and 1 (6%) a poor outcome over a median 9-month follow-up. Conclusions Transthoracic repair in patients who have had transthoracic migration of a previous Nissen fundoplication has acceptable surgical outcome and affords symptomatic relief to the majority of patients.

二分脊椎患者32例に於いて, VUR(膀胱尿管逆流現象)を有する50尿管に対して逆流防止術を行った。1例を除き全例にCohen法の尿管膀胱新吻合術, 1例に両側Politano-Leadbetter法を行った。平均追跡期間42.5ヵ月に, 尿管の92.0%, 症例の87.5%で成功した。これらの成績は最近の文献のそれ等に匹敵した。3例ではVURが再発した。一側再植え込みを行った別の1例では対側尿管に新しく逆流が発生した。術後VURを防止する為には間欠導尿法を続ける事が重要である事を強調した, A series of 32 patients with spina bifida, representing 50 renal units with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), was treated with antireflux operation. All but one patient underwent ureteral reimplantation with Cohen's technique. Another patient was treated with bilateral Politano-Leadbetter's technique. The overall success rates were 92.0% by renal unit and 87.5% by case, with a mean follow-up period of 42.5 months. These results were comparable to those in the recent literature. Failure included recurrence of VUR in 3 patients. Another patient who had undergone unilateral reimplantation developed new occurrence of reflux in the contralateral ureter. Possible masking of contralateral VUR should be taken into consideration in patients with unilateral high grade VUR. We also emphasize the importance of continuing clean intermittent catheterization in a proper manner to be free of VUR postoperatively.

Reoperative antireflux procedures are traditionally approached through an open technique. However, with increasing experience in minimally invasive antireflux procedures, more reoperative procedures are being performed laparoscopically. The success rate for reoperative surgery, either open or laparoscopic, does not equal that of primary antireflux operations. Redo antireflux surgery is a complex operation and a thorough evaluation prior to treatment is essential. There are several options for failed primary antireflux surgery including reconstructive options, such as redo fundoplication and Roux-en Y near esophagojejunostomy. In some cases of anatomic disruption, esophagectomy is required. In this article, we discuss the following: clinical presentation; the evaluation of patients; causes of failure; and choice of operation with a focus on reconstructive options, and technical aspects of minimally invasive redo antireflux surgery. We describe our experience and summarize the lessons learned.

The most commonly employed antireflux operation is the Nissen fundoplication. However, its origin and subsequent modifications are rarely defined. These aspects of the operation are reviewed in this article as are the results currently obtainable with the modern version of the operative procedure.

The function of 99 refluxing kidneys of 61 children up to two years old at the time of diagnosis was evaluated by 99mTc-DMSA renoscintigraphy, urinary beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG), alpha 1-microglobulin (alpha 1-MG) and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamidase (NAG). High grade reflex (grade IV, V) was found in 45% of the cases. 76%, 51% and 92% of the cases showed abnormally high value of urinary beta 2-MG, alpha 1-MG and NAG, respectively. These results indicate that they have already had tubular dysfunction at the time of diagnosis. DMSA renoscintigraphy of 82 refluxing kidneys of 49 children was performed. Of these, 48% had renal scar and 28% had serious renal dysfunction [DMSA uptake rate less than 18%]. 10-20% of low grade VUR had less than 18% DMSA uptake rate. Two patterns were noticed in the group in which urinary beta 2-MG ranged 0.33-1.0. One was characterized by good bilateral renal function with slight tubular damage and the other serious renal dysfunction with fixed tubular damage. No remarkable recovery of the renal function was noticed after antireflux operation in the second pattern cases. In many cases, in which urinary beta 2-MG was more than 1.0, improvement of DMSA uptake rate was noticed after antireflux operation.

O objetivo do presente estudo é apresentar as complicações que ocorreram em seiscentos pacientes consecutivos com doença do refluxo gastroesofágico submetidos à fundoplicatura laparoscópica. O procedimento de Nissen-Rosetti (fundoplicatura de 360°) foi realizado em 587 pacientes (97,8%) e o de Toupet (fundoplicatura de 270°) em 13 (2,2%). Oitenta e um pacientes também foram submetidos à colecistectomia no mesmo ato operatório, e um a diverticulectomia faringoesofágica cervical com miotomia cricofaringeana. Trinta e nove pacientes tinham operação prévia no abdome superior. O período de internação hospitalar variou de 12 horas a 23 dias, com média de 1,2 dias. A via de acesso foi convertida em laparotomia em dez pacientes (1,7%). A principal causa de conversão foi a presença de aderências. A complicação intra- operatória mais freqüente foi pneumotórax, que foi observado em oito pacientes. Todos os pneumotóraces ocorreram nos cem primeiros casos. Cinco pacientes apresentaram hemorragia significante, sendo que dois deles necessitaram laparotomia para controle do sangramento. Úlcera gástrica foi diagnosticada em sete pacientes. Um paciente etilista morreu de pancreatite aguda e outro de síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos e sistemas conseqüente à perfuração gástrica. Outras complicações importantes foram: dois abscessos intra-abdominais, uma perfuração esofágica, uma sepse secundária à perfuração gástrica, um choque hemorrágico e uma obstrução gástrica secundária à herniação da fundoplicatura. Concluímos que a taxa de complicações da fundoplicatura laparoscópica é baixa e diminui significativamente com a experiência do cirurgião. The objective of the present study is to present the complications that occurred in 600 consecutive patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication. A Nissen-Rosetti procedure (360° fundoplication) was performed in 587 patients (97.8%) and a Toupet procedure (270(0) fundoplication) in 13 (2.2%). Eighty- one patients were also subjected to a concurrent cholecystectomy and one patient a concurrent cervical pharyngoesophageal diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy. Thirty-nine patients had a previous upper abdominal operation. The period of hospitalization varied from 12 hours to 23 days, with an average of 1.2 days. The operation was converted to an open procedure in 10 patients (1,7%). The main cause of conversion was the presence of adhesions. The most frequent intraoperative complication was pneumothorax, that was observed in eight patients. All pneumothoraces occurred in the first 100 cases. Five patients had significant operative bleeding; two of them required laparotomy for bleeding control. Gastric ulcer was diagnosed in seven patients. One alcoholic patient died of acute pancreatitis and other with gastric perforation of multiple organ failure syndrome. Other major complications were two intrabdominal abscesses, one esophageal perforation, one sepsis due to gastric perforation, one hemorrhagic shock, and one gastric obstruction due to fundoplication herniation. It is concluded that complications of laparoscopic fundoplication are low and decrease significantly with the surgeon's experience.

Num período de 12 anos, de julho de 1984 a junho de 1996, 120 pacientes portadores de doença do refluxo gastroesofágico foram submetidos à cirurgia anti-refluxo pela técnica de Toupet. A média de idade foi 52,4 anos e 72 (60%) eram do sexo feminino. Do total de doentes, 74 (61,7%) apresentavam doença clínica associada e/ou vício. Oito pacientes já haviam realizado cirurgia prévia para correção de doença do refluxo gastroesofágico, com recidiva dos sintomas. Os acidentes operatórios foram lesão esplênica (seis casos), lesão de esôfago, pleura, fígado e veia porta, que ocorreram, isoladamente, em quatro pacientes. A letalidade hospitalar foi 6,6% porém, não houve óbito intra-operatório. Complicações pós-operatórias imediatas ocorreram em 27 (22,5%) dos doentes. A análise univariada mostrou que foram significantes para o aparecimento de complicações as variáveis: idade, tabagismo, alcoolismo, lesão de baço e reoperação. Para letalidade foram significantes apenas: idade e reoperação. A análise multivariada confirmou a significância apenas da variável reoperação no aparecimento de complicações pós-operatórias e na letalidade. In a 12 years period, from july 1984 to june 1996, 120 patients were submitted to antireflux surgery using the modified Toupet procedure. The medium age was 52.4 years and 72 (60%) patients has association with other diseases or were smokers or heavy drunkers. Eight patients have had previous surgery for gastric reflux, with recurrent symptoms. Opera tive accidental injuries were splenic lesions (six patients), esophagus lesion (one), pleura (one), liver(one) and portal vein(one). Mortality rate was 6.6% but no intraoperative death was observed. Early post-operative complications were significant for the following parameters: age, smocking, alchoolism, splenic lesion, and reoperation regarding complication and for morbility were age and reoperation. The multifactory analysis confirmed significance only to reoperation for complications and morbility.

Fourteen patients with scleroderma underwent antireflux operations (10 short Nissen, 2 Collis-Nissen, 1 Collis-Belsey, and 1 vagotomy and antrectomy with Roux-en-Y). Esophageal function was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with a follow-up range of 8 to 181 months (mean, 65 months). Reflux symptoms were relieved in 10 of the 14 patients (p0.01), as shown by a decrease in their 24-hour acid exposure of from 15% to 7.5% (p0.05). However, the lower esophageal sphincter pressure gradient created by the operations did not increase significantly (3.7 +/- 3.4 mm Hg to 5.5 +/- 3.5 mm Hg). The esophageal acid exposure decreased sufficiently to promote some alleviation of the esophagitis. Radiologic signs of stenosis regressed in 6 of 7 patients. Postoperative endoscopic assessment revealed complete or partial healing of erosions seen preoperatively in 6 of the 7 patients so studied, and healing of all ulcers in 3 patients. Twelve patients continued to have columnar metaplasia. Manometric studies disclosed no significant changes in propulsion and contractility. Distal esophageal resting pressures rose significantly from 6.2 to 9.4 mm Hg (p0.05 mm Hg), suggestive of stasis. Radionuclide transit studies, however, showed no significant decrease in the esophageal emptying capacity after operation. It is concluded that conventional antireflux operations in patients with scleroderma can palliate reflux damage without jeopardizing esophageal function.

A series of 32 patients with spina bifida, representing 50 renal units with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), was treated with antireflux operation. All but one patient underwent ureteral reimplantation with Cohen's technique. Another patient was treated with bilateral Politano-Leadbetter's technique. The overall success rates were 92.0% by renal unit and 87.5% by case, with a mean follow-up period of 42.5 months. These results were comparable to those in the recent literature. Failure included recurrence of VUR in 3 patients. Another patient who had undergone unilateral reimplantation developed new occurrence of reflux in the contralateral ureter. Possible masking of contralateral VUR should be taken into consideration in patients with unilateral high grade VUR. We also emphasize the importance of continuing clean intermittent catheterization in a proper manner to be free of VUR postoperatively.

Due to the frequent presence of latent gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in mentally impaired children, it is now standard to perform upper gastrointestinal contrast (UGI) and pH probe studies in all children referred for feeding gastrostomy, even if they are without clinical evidence for GER. For patients with documented GER, an antireflux operation performed in conjunction with gastrostomy is usually considered mandatory. Some authors have suggested that a “protective” antireflux operation be performed at the time of gastrostomy placement in all brain-damaged children, citing a high incidence of postoperative GER in this group of patients following gastrostomy, even with a negative preoperative evaluation for GER. To evaluate this theory, we prospectively studied, over the past 6 years, all mentally retarded children referred for feeding gastrostomy with UGI contrast and esophageal pH probe studies. In total, 148 children were studied; 105 had a positive evaluation for GER and underwent gastrostomy and antireflux surgery. Of the 43 children with a negative preoperative evaluation for GER, 37 are doing well following gastrostomy alone without clinical reflux at an average follow-up of 21 months. Six of the 43 (14%) developed symptomatic GER occurring at an average of 10 months following gastrostomy placement. Five of these children have been successfully treated with an antireflux operation and the sixth patient has been successfully man-aged nonoperatively. Given the significant morbidity and mortality that has been documented with antireflux operations in mentally retarded children, we conclude that a protective antireflux operation at the time of gastrostomy placement is not indicated because the data suggest that 86% of children with a negative preoperative evaluation for GER would undergo the operation needlessly.

In 1957 J. Leigh Collis published his innovative operation for treating the difficult problem of the irreducible hiatal hernia, esophagitis, and stricture. The design of the operation was based on the relatively primitive understanding of hiatal hernia and the newly emerging concept of reflux esophagitis. A variety of antireflux operations by different surgeons emerged over the years to follow. The original Collis gastroplasty has been subsequently modified with the addition of both partial and complete fundoplication procedures. The place of the modified Collis gastroplasty-fundoplication operations in today's approach to the problems of hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease remains unsettled.

Allison is credited for suggesting that symptoms of a sliding hiatal hernia are the lament of an irritated esophagus rather than a throttled stomach, but it remained for Belsey in Bristol and Nissen in Basel to validate the thesis with reliable antireflux operations. Nissen's discovery was serendipitous, Belsey's the product of years of trial and error. The English-speaking world got the message of Belsey's operation through proteges like Skinner who, in rummaging around the Frenchay record room, discovered a treasure trove of unpublished material. Whether judged by fresh insights, number of cases, or duration of follow-up, the Skinner/Belsey report was a winner 25 years ago and remains so today.

Forty-five patients undergoing a Collis-Nissen antireflux operation had preoperative, several intraoperative, and postoperative distal esophageal high-pressure-zone (HPZ) measurements. In 11 patients (24%), intraoperative manipulation of the esophagus alone, prior to beginning the repair, had a major effect upon the HPZ. The final mean intraoperative HPZ pressure (21.2 mm Hg) differed significantly (p less than 0.01) from that obtained postoperatively at 1 to 3 weeks (15.2 mm Hg), 6 months (11.2 mm Hg), and 12 mm Hg), and 12 months, (12.1 mm Hg). However, there was no significant statistical correlation between the final intraoperative HPZ pressures and those obtained after 6 and 12 months. Irrespective of the final intraoperative HPZ value, no patient undergoing acid reflux testing at 6 to 12 months after operation had any gastroesophageal reflux. It is concluded that esophageal manipulation (mobilization or dilation) results in variable intraoperative Hpz values that are not reliable predictors of HPZ values obtained late postoperatively. The rationale for altering the technique of an operation simply to obtain an "ideal" intraoperative HPZ value must be seriously questioned.

Regurgitation and aspiration of feedings is a significant problem in children with impaired oral intake fed via gastrostomy. Using extended (18-24 hour) esophageal pH monitoring to assess gastroesophageal reflux (GER), we studied prospectively 32 children (aged 2 to 16 years) referred for feeding gastrostomy. Twenty-five patients had repeat esophageal pH monitoring after surgery. Prior to surgery, GER was documented in 23 (72%) of the 32 children. Twenty-two of the 23 children with GER before surgery had an antireflux operation performed in conjunction with the feeding gastrostomy. Gastroesophageal reflux was clinically significant in the single failed antireflux operation and in the child with GER before surgery who only had a gastrostomy performed. All nine patients without GER only had gastrostomy performed. Six of these developed GER by pH monitoring after surgery, with significant vomiting in four. Of our 11 patients remaining at risk for GER after surgery, seven (64%) had persistent vomiting with gastrostomy feedings. Thus, 91% (29 of 32) of the children were potentially at risk for GER if a gastrostomy only was performed. We believe these data support the need for a "protective" antireflux operation in children referred for feeding gastrostomy.

Experience with gastroesophageal reflux in patients without prior operations has yielded understanding of pathophysiology, surgical techniques, and results. Less is known about patients with failed antireflux operations. This report of 61 patients undergoing repeat antireflux procedures addresses this issues. Not included are patients with gastroesophageal reflux after ulcer operations or with inappropriate antireflux operations for motility disorders. Group A patients (n = 34) had only one previous operation, Group B (n = 19) had two, and Group C (n = 8) had three or more. Group C had significantly (p

After a hypotensive lower esophageal sphincter was created in cats by circular myectomy of the distal esophagus, a comparative study was performed of the sphincter-enhancing operations currently in use: the Nissen fundoplication, the Belsey Mark IV, and the Hill posterior gastropexy. Subdiaphragmatic transposition of the myectomized segment was included to assess the effectiveness of intraabdominal positioning on lower esophageal sphincter competence. The mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure after Nissen fundoplication (21.7 ± 1.5 cm H 2 O) did not differ significantly from control values (24.3 $pL 1.8 cm H 2 O), whereas significantly lower pressures were recorded after the Belsey Mark IV (11.7 ± 1.5 cm H 2 O), Hill posterior gastropexy (9.0 ± 1.5 cm H 2 O), and subdiaphragmatic transposition (4.0 ± 1.5 cm H 2 O) procedures. The adaptive response of the lower esophageal sphincter to increased intragastric pressure was restored to near normal levels by both the Nissen and Belsey procedures, whereas the Hill posterior gastropexy and subdiaphragmatic transposition were less effective. In addition, pH reflux testing clearly indicated that the Nissen fundoplication afforded maximum protection against acid reflux. The experimental evidence suggests that optimum results in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux are achieved when the resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure and the adaptive response are restored to normal levels. The Nissen fundoplication accomplishes these objectives more effectively than the alternative antireflux procedures.

Antireflux surgery, specifically the Hill procedure, has been shown to be effective management of refractory reflux when assessed in the relatively short term. This study follows 441 patients from the time of their initial operation and reports on assessments conducted after 5 to 10 years and 15 to 20 years. The late study group comprises 167 patients (mean age 71 years) with an average follow-up of 17.8 years; 15.6% of patients had undergone a previous antireflux operation. Overall subjective good and excellent results, as determined by the patients themselves, were seen to improve significantly (p less than 0.02) between the two follow-up periods, 82% and 88%, respectively. No serious late complications such as fistula, bleeding, or obstruction were observed in this series. The Hill antireflux operation, properly performed, provides durable long-term results.

Between January, 1970, and January, 1984, 113 patients with esophageal achalasia underwent 115 esophagomyotomies at the Lahey Clinic. Twenty-nine patients had been treated on one or more occasions by forceful dilation, and 18 had been operated upon before. Results are based on follow-up studies of 103 patients operated on 1 to 13.5 years ago (average follow-up period, 6.75 years). Six patients were lost to follow-up study, and six were operated upon less than a year ago. The condition of 94 patients (91 % ) was improved by operation. The improvement rate was 94 % for those who underwent a primary operation and 76% for those who underwent reoperation. Only four of the nine poor results were caused by reflux esophagitis, and these patients are satisfactorily managed medically. Multiple regression analysis of risk factors including age, sex, duration of symptoms, severity of disease, length of follow-up, previous operation, and forceful dilations revealed that only previous operation correlated significantly with poor results (p = 0.0004). Preoperative and postoperative manometric assessment of the lower esophageal sphincter was made on some of these patients. The amplitude of lower esophageal sphincter pressure dropped from 32.5 ± 1.6 (SEM) to 14.5 ± 1.4 mm Hg, and the length of the lower esophageal sphincter decreased from 3.7 ± 0.1 to 2.2 ± 0.1 cm. These differences were highly significant (p = 0.001). After myotomy a short subhiatal remnant of the lower esophageal sphincter remains with pressure within the normal range, which minimizes the risk of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux. Because of the high success rate of limited esophagomyotomy and the low incidence of significant reflux symptoms after its use, we recommend that it be performed without an associated antireflux procedure.

Columnar epithelium–lined lower esophagus (CLLE) or Barrett's esophagus was found in 34 patients diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy. In one-half of them, the CLLE extended up to 30 cm from the incisors (limited group) and in the other half, it reached above this level (extended group). Eight patients with stricture and limited CLLE had the lesion in the lower third of the esophagus, whereas 6 of 8 with strictures in the extended group had narrowing in the upper third of the esophagus. Two other patients with extended CLLE were seen with bleeding from Barrett's ulcer, 3 had adenocarcinoma, and the remaining 4 had CLLE without these complications. The three classic histological types were encountered in both groups. However, in the extended group there was more of the intestinal type and less of the junctional type of epithelium, the latter being seen mostly in the limited group. The extended group had very low lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures (mean, 7.3 mm Hg) with severe reflux. The limited group had a higher mean LES pressure (11.2 mm Hg) with less severe reflux. In both groups, LES pressure and reflux improved following effective antireflux operation; some patients had regression of CLLE. In some patients who continued to have demonstrable reflux and a lack of improvement in LES pressure despite antireflux operation, the disease progressed, as evidenced by extension of CLLE.

The consensus in the conflict about surgical management of peptic esophageal stricture presently favors conservative antireflux procedures with dilatation rather than resection. However, emphasis is now shifting to the controversy of conservative surgical treatment versus medical management with dilatation alone. We analyzed the influence of seven variables on the postoperative result in 160 patients undergoing antireflux operations with dilatation for peptic esophageal stricture. The mean follow-up is 47 months (range 6 to 240) and the mean age is 57 years (range 13 to 83). One hundred seven patients operated on early in the course of the disease have better results (90% good, 9% fair, 1% poor) than 31 patients having a previous failed operation (52% good, 23% fair, 26% poor) and 22 patients having multiple dilatations (45% good, 23% fair, 32% poor) (p less than 0.05). Intraoperative manometry improves results (p less than 0.05), and postoperative reflux has a negative influence on results (p less than 0.05). The postoperative lower esophageal sphincter pressure in patients without reflux (17.7 +/- 1.3 mm Hg) is higher than in those with reflux (8.9 +/- 0.8 mm Hg, p less than 0.05) and is an accurate predictor of the risk of reflux (p less than 0.001). Intraoperative and postoperative sphincter pressures are objective indicators of outcome but because of variability are not predictive (p less than 0.05). The presence of Barrett's esophagus and the age and sex of patients do not alter outcome. Adenocarcinoma did not develop in patients with Barrett's esophagus once reflux was eliminated. This information indicates that conservative antireflux operation with dilatation is the treatment of choice in patients with peptic esophageal stricture.

VURの逆流防止手術471尿管につき, 手術合併症の検討をした.特に, Politano-Leadbetter法(PL法)417尿管の経験から, 稀な合併症である尿管の腹腔内臓器貫通損傷例につき臨床的検討を加えた.損傷発生の素地, 臨床経過予防策ならびに修復手術の予後について考察を加えた.なお, 著者等は, 現時点において, 原発性VURの手術術式としては, 必ずしもCohen法を選択するものではないが, 続発性VURで尿管膀胱吻合術を行なう場合にはCohen法はPL法に優ると考える, Unusual complications of the Politano-Leadbetter ureteral reimplantation technique are reported in four ureters in three children with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). These ureters were found to pass through an adjacent intraperitoneal viscus including the sigmoid colon, ileum or broad ligament. This complication occurred in 0.48% of the Politano-Leadbetter antireflux operations for primary VUR. Viscus perforation occurred only in children with a relatively high grade VUR. The prognoses of the hydroureter after ureteric reimplantation or ureterolysis, were good in all cases. Although there are several advantages in the transvesical procedure of the original Politano-Leadbetter method, we should not hesitate to go extravesically if there are difficulties in mobilizing the ureter or inducing it into the vesical cavity.

An effective antireflux operation, posterior gastropexy with cardiac calibration, was performed on 24 patients with well established peptic strictures of the esophagus. Without intraoperative or postoperative dilation, the diameter of the strictures went from a mean of 6.3 mm to a postoperative mean diameter of 13.0 mm. Significant increases in sphincter pressure were recorded and endoscopic evaluation showed a return to normal. Preoperative dysphagia was relieved. It is concluded that an adequate antireflux operation will obviate the need for postoperative dilations or more formidable operations such as interposition.

Unusual complications of the Politano-Leadbetter ureteral reimplantation technique are reported in four ureters in three children with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). These ureters were found to pass through an adjacent intraperitoneal viscus including the sigmoid colon, ileum or broad ligament. This complication occurred in 0.48% of the Politano-Leadbetter antireflux operations for primary VUR. Viscus perforation occurred only in children with a relatively high grade VUR. The prognoses of the hydroureter after ureteric reimplantation or ureterolysis, were good in all cases. Although there are several advantages in the transvesical procedure of the original Politano-Leadbetter method, we should not hesitate to go extravesically if there are difficulties in mobilizing the ureter or inducing it into the vesical cavity.